National News

Shot in Mouth, LAX Suspect Still Can't Talk

by Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

(NEWSER) – As investigators try to piece together the lead-up to Friday's shooting rampage at Los Angeles International Airport, the alleged shooter is still too injured to talk. Paul Ciancia, 23, was shot in the leg and took a bullet in the mouth that split his tongue and knocked out his teeth, reports the New York Daily News. Officials say he is listed in fair condition and will require surgery and extensive physical therapy. The unemployed motorcycle mechanic has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of TSA agent Gerardo Hernandez and could face the death penalty. Four others, including two TSA agents, were injured.

A note made it clear Ciancia hated TSA agents, but his background doesn't provide many clues to his motive. At the Catholic boys' school he attended in Delaware, near his family's home in southern New Jersey, he is remembered as a quiet loner. He was mostly silent in class apart from the occasional sarcastic comment, but "I've seen him smile and laugh before," a classmate tells the Philadelphia Inquirer.